Ace Indian women's cricketer Jhulan Goswami, who will be playing her last International match at Lord's on Saturday in the third ODI against England women, revealed the biggest regret of her career on Friday.
For a legendary cricketer like Jhulan, who represented country in two World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017, the biggest regret was not winning the coveted trophy for India.
"I am very normal. This team has a happy bunch of cricketers. I have not felt anything so far. Until you do not get to the ground, you do not feel much. I am enjoying all these moments. Each and every moment is special. Enjoying with these young bunch of cricketers. I played two World Cup finals and we did not win. It would have been great for me and women's cricket in India. You prepare so much for the World Cup. There is 4 years of preparation. It is a dream come true if you win the World Cup. Not winning a single World Cup final is a big regret. However, the growth of women's cricket is high. I am hopeful this side will take the graph high," Jhulan said on the eve of her final international match.
Jhulan, the only female cricketer to have taken more than 200 wickets in ODIs - she has 262 in 203 matches - led the Indian pace attack for two decades since making her debut in 2002. The tall lanky pacer, hailing from a small town called Chakdah in West Bengal, has been an inspiration for an entire generation of cricketers in India.
She also talked about her cricketing journey at length.
“When I started, I never thought I would play for a long time. I have enjoyed every moment. U19 days I and Mithali played together. We had a great relationship on and off the field. We wanted to bring Indian cricket to a different level. We believed we could be top 3 team in the world. We spent a lot of hours. We believed in our own ability. Everybody enjoyed each and every moment. I am fortunate to have played the sport. Coming from Chakdah, I never thought I would make it big. I never knew how to do it professionally,” she said.
One moment
“When I started, it was different. Those days we would represent women's association of India. Now, we are under the umbrella of BCCI. They are developing from the grassroots. The BCCI has come forward and supported us. 2 and a half hours one way journey it was never easy coming from Chakdah. First day when I played for India and getting the cap from the captain, the first over I bowled it was an important moment. First time I saw 1997 World Cup at Eden between Australia and England as a ball-girl. I just put in the effort since then,” Jhulan added.
Which captain gave you the freedom?
“Difficult to answer. Every captain had different style of working. They also have their own ideas. It will not be good to name a single captain. All captains have supported me. I have enjoyed playing under all of them,” Jhulan said.
Women's IPL?
“As of now, I have not decided on women's IPL. BCCI have not yet officially come out with women's IPL. Let them announce officially and then I will decide. I am ending my career as an international cricketer,” she said.
Advice to youngsters?
"It is difficult to say how many years you can perform consistently. There will be lots of ups and downs. There is lot of pressure on the bowlers. How will you prepare will be the key. Each and every moment is important. When I started, it was different. We played Tests and ODIs a lot more. Now, we play T20Is. You need lot of effort. You have to go season-by-season. You have to be fit and strong enough to take the mental and physical pressure. Preparation will be the key. Girls are professional and they know how to handle. I am hopeful the bowlers will play for a long time.
Next chapter for Jhulan Goswami?
“I have not thought about all those things. It is important to finish this tour on a high note. We are doing well in ODI format. It is important to continue the good run. After that match, I will take a break. There will be no emotion in my heart and mind. After that, I will think,” she said.
Emotions?
"I am very normal. This team has a happy bunch of cricketers. I have not felt anything so far. Until you do not get to the ground, you do not feel much. I am enjoying all these moments. Each and every moment is special. Enjoying with these young bunch of cricketers.
I played two World Cup finals and we did not win. It would have been great for me and women's cricket in India. You prepare so much for the World Cup. There is 4 years of preparation. It is a dream come true if you win the World Cup. Not winning a single World Cup final is a big regret. However, the growth of women's cricket is high. I am hopeful this side will take the graph high," she further added.
Decision to end career in England
“After World Cup, I was thinking in the last two years. After every series, I was thinking this was my last. I had injuries and there were lots of ups and downs. After the World Cup, I thought Sri Lanka tour would be the last. I got injured in the last World Cup match. This is the last ODI series before the T20 WC. I thought this was the last option for me. I went to the NCA and did a lot of rehab. Smriti, Harmanpreet Kaur and Pooja are doing a lot and they are giving me lot of surprises,” she said.
Advice to 19-year-old Jhulan Goswami
“I have spoken to my childhood coach. He was emotional. He was practical as well. Whatever I have learnt in life, I am fortunate to have a coach like him. He thought me a lot of things. I wish I would have bowled fast. Enjoy that time,” she said.
You have had a 20-yr career as fast bowler?
"India have best seam bowling attack in women's cricket. Be it Test, ODI or T20I, we have best bowling line-up. We are improving. Australia, England had a good seam attack with South Africa. We are giving lot of importance to seam bowling. In cricket, medium pacers can give you wins. They play a big role. We are getting quality bowlers from the team. Renuka Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar and Meghna Singh are all great. They are regularly monitored in their training process. Seam bowling is an art. Overnight, you will not get success.
Injuries are part and parcel of fast bowlers. You are putting effort and body takes time to recover. If you bowl 20-25 overs in one day, it depends how your body is the next day," Jhulan said.
Most proud of in one thing?
“Best moment when we come out of the dressing room and listen to the national anthem is the best feeling. The ultimate feeling is to wear the Indian jersey and that is memorable. I am going to miss those things, wearing the India jersey and hearing the national anthem out in the middle. You have to end somewhere down the line. I will contribute little things from my side,” she added.
When did you feel you wanted to quit fast bowling?
“Whenever I got injured, I felt frustrated. It was a difficult thing to be sidelined. You will have lot of injuries. It depends how you come back stronger. I felt if I was not a fast bowler, I would have not had too many injuries. I wish I was a batter. Unfortunately, we are not playing ODI series now only T20Is. This is the last ODI series and next year, it will only be T20 World Cup. I am fortunate to play my first and last series against England. Lord's is special for any cricketer. There are no regrets from my side,” she concluded.
